WHAT WE DO

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Page Introduction

We continue to expand the frontiers of space astronomy.

We have three strategic goals in accordance with this vision. First, to excel in the science operations of NASA's current and future astrophysics flagship missions, and in doing so, to envision, define, and operate new missions that offer cutting-edge research opportunities for the entire astronomical community. Second, to develop advanced astronomical data, archives, and tools for scientific discovery that are crucial in the era of increasingly large and complex astronomical datasets. And third, to make the world's astronomical information accessible to all, thereby inspiring and engaging others to participate in understanding, enjoying, and sharing the wonders of the universe.

What We Do

Operate Space Telescopes

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE (HST)LAUNCHED APRIL 24, 1990

We are the science operations center for the Hubble Space Telescope. Our work spans the lifecycle of a scientific proposal for Hubble observations, which we have performed since its launch in 1990.

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE (HST)LAUNCHED APRIL 24, 1990

We are the science operations center for the Hubble Space Telescope. Our work spans the lifecycle of a scientific proposal for Hubble observations, which we have performed since its launch in 1990. We help turn great science ideas into great science, highlight the results, and distribute the data acquired for others to use. Our work includes running the peer-reviewed science program selection, planning and scheduling of the telescope, characterizing the performance of the instruments, maintaining and enhancing the archive of data, and making the data freely available to the world.

As the flight and science operations center for the James Webb Space Telescope, we will enable the astronomical community to transform ideas into scientific discoveries.

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE (JWST)LAUNCHING IN 2021

As the flight and science operations center for the James Webb Space Telescope, we will enable the astronomical community to transform ideas into scientific discoveries and help them obtain the best science. We develop and maintain software for the operations center as well as for astronomers using JWST. Leading up to launch, we are supporting development and testing of the observatory. After launch, we will operate the observatory and maintain its systems and its orbit. During science operations, we solicit proposals to use the telescope, schedule observations, provide calibrated scientific data, and curate a data archive that is open to astronomers and the public.

STScI is the Science Operations Centers for the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST).

WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST)LAUNCHING IN 2025

STScI is the Science Operations Centers for the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). This mission, in formulation for launch in the mid-2020s, will revolutionize our understanding of dark energy, extra-solar planets, and many topics in general astrophysics by combining dedicated surveys, as well as guest observer and guest investigator programs. STScI will schedule and archive all WFIRST observations, and will calibrate and produce pipeline-reduced data products for the Wide Field Instrument (WFI).